“The hell you say. You were a real hero. I’m so fucking proud of you.”
I try to protest, but Luna pulls back and cups my face in both of her hands, her tentacles still holding me tight. “You were the hero of the hour. Even better than that Xena Warrior Princess, I bet. You kept that poor girl alive until the on-site medical personnel could get to her. What you did played a critical roleand I won’t hear otherwise.” She punctuates the last words with a defiant tilt of her chin.
Unexpectedly, my vision blurs as tears fill my eyes. The whole experience gave me a metaphysical smack upside the head and made me realize that helping people and saving lives is truly my calling. I don’t want to give it up.
However, I have no clue how I’m going to make my passion a reality going forward. Fortunately, I was able to use my training and knowledge from Earth to assess this particular patient successfully, but that wouldn’t be the case with all the species I could encounter, especially any that are far less humanoid in their physical makeup. I got seriously lucky this time out.
And even if I had the knowledge, how would I go about helping? It’s not as if I can join a hospital or set up a clinic on a space station or a planet when we’re basically on an intergalactic space RV, living the cosmic nomad life.
“Are you all right?” Luna asks, worry written all over her expressive face.
I sniffle and chuckle. “Yeah. I think part of my emotional response is due to coming down from the adrenaline rush and part is due to the fact that I’ve figured out I want to continue using my medical expertise to save lives. But my training on Earth is nowhere near enough to treat the diverse range of extraterrestrial species we’ll encounter. So I’m not sure yet how I’ll be able to keep doing what I love, especially while part of the crew of the Sleigh Belle.”
Luna pulls me close again and murmurs softly in my ear. “We’ll figure it out together, I promise. I’m no bozo. I saw how you shine brighter than a supernova when you’re in your element as a doctor. That isn’t something I want you to give up. And as they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Smiling, I bury my face in her neck, my heart doing a happy tap dance in my chest. For the love of Xena, this tentacledwoman is so damn precious to me. No one has ever gotten me the way Luna does so naturally. Her enthusiastic, committed support of my life’s passion gives me renewed strength and optimism about the future.
“You’re the fucking best,” I mumble into the side of her neck, which is now wet with my tears. “I hope you know that.”
Her tentacles rub my back while her arms wrap around my neck. “Don’t worry, I’ve never been in doubt of that, my darling.”
The crowd around us has dispersed by the time we emerge from our cuddle cocoon, and Luna gently leads me back to the entrance of the skyway.
“Sorry our romantic date turned into an unexpected medical rescue,” I say.
“Dr. Taylor, I’m so fucking proud of you and thrilled to call you my girlfriend. Saving a life trumps a date any day. Besides, we’ll have plenty more opportunities. I plan to bust out all my Love Master Luna moves with you.”
I try not to get all choked up. “Bring it on. I can’t wait.”
My love life is the best it’s ever been and I know what I want on a professional level.
I simply need to figure out a few pesky details.
CHAPTER 16
Luna:Other than sex, of course, what kinds of physical activities do you enjoy?
Gemma:So sassy. Your messages always make me smile or laugh. Or both! Ahem. But getting back to your question, I like dancing and I love swimming.
Luna:Interesting. Sounds like I need to brush up on my super suave dance moves before we meet.
Gemma:Let me be clear, though. I prefer to alternate who leads. I don’t like being confined to one role all the time.
Luna:Swoon! A woman after my own heart. I’m totally into that, by the way. As for swimming, there are quite a few planets with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters that we could visit for a little vacation.
Gemma:That sounds divine. I can’t even recall the last time I enjoyed a real vacation.
Luna:All the more reason you need one, gorgeous.
Gemma:For real. I even have a super cute bathing suit I have a feeling you’ll like…
Luna:Pictures??? Please tell me you’ll model it for me!
Gemma:Nope. You’ll have to wait until we go to one of those beaches.
Luna:Neptune’s nads! You drive a hard bargain, Dr. Taylor, but I’ll agree to those terms. Because you’re special. *heart emoji*
—Sent via FLIRTT (Frequency Link for Interstellar Real-Time Transmission)
